What Are Mini Dental Implants?

sample mini dental implants

Missing teeth are no longer something to worry about nowadays. Dentists can use implants or mini dental implants to replace them. If you need one, this clinic provides dental implants in Epping, Melbourne. Visit their page to read about tooth implants.

What are dental implants?

Dentists use dental implants to replace the tooth roots. It serves as a strong foundation for permanent or removable replacement teeth. The replacement teeth are more likely to match your natural teeth.

actual dental implantsYou can gain several benefits from undergoing a dental implant procedure such as improved appearance and speech. Dental implants help you improve your oral health. However, some people are not fond of conventional restorations. It is also possible that they are not eligible to receive such a procedure. Aside from that, some people do not want to experience invasive surgeries.

On the positive side, these patients still have another option. They can choose to apply mini implants to replace their teeth. How is it possible? Read some more below.

What are mini dental implants?

Mini dental implants are smaller in size as compared to regular implants. Unlike regular implants, you do not have to undergo bone grafting in applying mini implants. Bone grafting is typical for patients who will have an implant procedure. If a patient does not have enough healthy bones to support the implants, they often require bone grafting.

Mini implants help you to avoid bone graft. Using a bone graft may take time to heal on its own. Probably several months up to a year of complete healing. Mini implants are about half the size of regular implants. Additionally, instead of using an abutment on top of it, it has a small ball on the exposed end.

We will know about the benefits and drawbacks of small implants in the latter part of this article. For now, let us discuss first how the dentists work on these smaller implants.

Procedure for placing mini implants

This procedure is less invasive compared to regular implants. First, the dentist will apply local anesthesia or IV sedation if necessary. Then, they will start to place these small implants into the jawbone.

A small portion of the implant remains exposed above the gums. While waiting for the permanent teeth, they will provide you with temporary teeth during your healing period. The dentist will make an impression on your teeth. This impression will serve as the basis for the design and fabrication of the permanent teeth.

Benefits of mini implants

Listed below are the benefits that you can gain from using small implants instead of regular implants.

  1. It requires a lesser bone mass. In effect, you won’t be needing to undergo bone grafting even if you have suffered bone loss.
  2. In this case, these implants are smaller in size, making them fit in smaller areas of the mouth. It is ideal for individuals with small teeth.
  3. The small size of these implants caused the procedure to be less invasive. As a result, the process will also take lesser time.
  4. In terms of cost, small implants are more affordable than regular implants.
  5. The healing time in using small implants is shorter compared to regular implants.
  6. Furthermore, it causes less discomfort.
  7. Complications and failures rarely happen using smaller implants.

Now that we have already mentioned the benefits of small implants, let us now proceed with its potential disadvantages.

Potential drawbacks of mini implants

On the other hand, aside from the benefits, there are also potential drawbacks to using smaller implants. Let me enlighten you about it.

  1. There will be a vertical bone requirement to support the small implants.
  2. On the condition that you are experiencing teeth grinding regularly, this will become a reason for you not to be a candidate for this option.
  3. Small implants might encounter fractures during installation. As a result, multiple installations can happen.
  4. The length of survival for smaller implants has no guarantee.
  5. The design of the small implants is usually unparallel to the natural jawline.
  6. Being a flapless surgery, the jawbone remains visible, and bone irrigation will not take place properly.
  7. The resistance to occlusal loading is low, which is similar to narrow-diameter implants.

It would be best to know both the pros and cons of a procedure. This way, both you and your dentist can agree to which procedure or which type of implant is best for you. However, just like the other procedures, some individuals are not eligible to take this procedure. Read them below.

Conditions that make you not eligible for mini implants

Mini implants are not appropriate for individuals who have the following condition.

  1. periodontitis in teethThose who currently have mouth diseases such as periodontitis.
  2. Individuals who have undergone molar replacement are also not advisable to undergo small implants procedure.
  3. Patients who have diabetes are also not good candidates.
  4. Additionally, even smokers are restricted to this procedure.
  5. Individuals who grind their teeth cannot choose small implants.
  6. A small amount of vertical jawbone will also cause them not to be a candidate.

Your dentist is well-knowledgeable about these conditions. They will discuss these with you. In this case, they will provide you with another treatment option to address your oral concern aside from using small implants.

Availability of mini implants

Small implants are barely new to the world of dentistry. It would be best to ensure that the dentist and the whole team you will choose to have it done are skilled and knowledgeable about it. Being up-to-date with new techniques is also an advantage.

You have plenty of options to find one who is capable to provide services related to small implants. You only need to be resourceful and wise in making your choice.

Both regular and mini implants are good as a replacement for your missing teeth. However, all the necessary considerations should be looked into to ensure that you will be receiving the right procedure.

As mentioned above, not all patients are eligible to undergo small implants procedure. Verification and evaluation are essential to ensure the patient’s safety.

You can go to Southern Smiles Miranda’s clinic today if you’re looking for quality dental implants.